Sevens: Counties, Manawatu claim major titles at National Sevens

Manawatu took out the womans title at the Bayleys National Sevens. Photo/Ben Fraser

Counties Manukau and Manawatu have won national titles at the Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua.

Counties men defeated North Harbour men 26-19 today to win their first national sevens title since 1995, while Manawatu women defeated Wellington women 26-19 to be crowned women's national champs at the Rotorua International Stadium. It was Manawatu's third title in four years.

The top 16 men's provinces and top 10 women's provinces in the country took part in the National Sevens tournament.

The Player of the Tournament awards went to Kat Whata-Stephens (Wellington) in the women's division while Augustine Pulu (Counties) won the top award in the men's division.

Last year's champions, Waikato men and Auckland women, were both knocked out in the quarter-finals today.

The host province Bay of Plenty made it all the way to the men's semifinals before being beaten by eventual champions Counties.